F.Y.I - For Your Information B

Meditation For The Mind, Body & Soul

Relaxation and meditation isn’t all chants and chimes, it can be a very effective way to manage the stress people have in their busy lives. For emotional well-being, take some time to yourself each day and find a routine that celebrates your inner-peace

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Omega 3

Toned arms are a commodity that no one should go without, especially in the hot days of summer. Wearing a tank top, bathing suit, or even just light weight t-shirts require that you show off what you have up top. But unless you spend a lot of time at the gym or have a job that requires lifting, the chances are that your arms could use a bit of a tone up. Here are three great exercises to enhance your arms.

5 Foods to Boost Metabolism

Apples- Burn fat and those who consume it regularly are less likely to gain weight overtime.

The trick to losing weight is living a balanced lifestyle. Eating   more of he right foods (fresh and as raw as possible) and less of    the not so good foods (processed, refined, additives, pesticides, herbicides, colouring etc), will ensure you are on your way to   feeling and looking great in no time.

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away” is a timeless classic which we have all heard. But how true is it? Should you really  be eating an apple a day, and what kind of health benefits can  an apple really provide? Here are three very good reasons to   eat apples.

1. Apples have been shown to prevent cancer. Apples contain Quercetin which is a  flavonoid that has been found to help     prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells . They also have phytonutrients in the skin which can inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells by up to 43%. If this isn’t enough they may prevent    lung cancer by up to 50% if eaten daily. Furthermore, they have an inhibitory effect on the development of bladder cancers especially   in people who smoke.

2. They may improve lung function. If you are a smoker, listen up. Eating apples regularly can actually improve lung function and reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The powerful nature     of this fruit is due to their high level of antioxidants.

3. They can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Apples contain   pectin which is a soluble fibre which plays a role in reducing harmful cholesterol levels. In fact, apple juice has been found to inhibit the oxidation of a harmful form of cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoprotein).

Along with these benefits, apples will also serve to provide your body with many minerals and nutrients. Eating an apple before   each meal is a great idea, as it fills you up with fibre, vitamins and antioxidants and will ensure that you eat less of your meal. They   are also very low in calories and have no fat. Besides therapeutic benefits, apples are also found to play a role in inhibiting ageing-related problems, preventing wrinkles and promoting hair growth.

Women in India turn to turmeric to combat stretch marks and to   keep the skin smooth and supple, says Shalini Vadhera. Mix one    cup of plain yogurt with one tablespoon turmeric, and apply the paste from your stomach to your waist if you are pregnant or rub into stretch marks. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off. 

It's not just refreshing in your pina colada. Inhabitants of        tropical countries know just how to channel the power of the coconut. While coconut water keeps the body cool, rehydrated      and at a stable temperature, the oil is a great natural moisturiser    and helps fight wrinkles. For a gentle but rich summer exfoliator,   try this Thai cocktail.

Apply the thick scrub in a circular motion all over your body. Rinse and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Blonde Ambition

Dying to hit the beach but afraid the harsh rays will fade out       your summer highlights?

Add a handful of dried daisies to a pint of hot water and let steep   for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain into a container and use this floral   water as a final rinse to refresh fabulous blond highlights.

Dairy Queen

Skip the sour cream on your nachos this summer; instead, lather     it  on your sore, sunburned skin. It's a secret from Russia, says Shalini Vadhera. Cold sour cream not only soothes painful sunburn but helps brighten your skin as well.

Plain organic yogurt or buttermilk is recommended to balance          uneven skin tones and to soften your skin. Treat your face          every other day to these dairy products, avoiding the eye area.       It's gentle enough for all skin types, and the naturally occurring lactic acid acts as an exfoliant to remove the build up of dead       skin cells.

Olives

Do you envy those Greek goddesses for their perfect olive skin?  The secret lies inside the olive! Shalini Vadhera, author of     Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips from Around the World for Becoming a Global Goddess, reveals that savvy Greek beauties  don't toss the pits but grind them up to use as a body scrub.      Ground olive stones act as a natural, rich exfoliator, cleansing        the skin, removing dead cells and providing an instant glow.

Go Bananas

Looking for a miracle cure for your dehydrated skin and over processed hair? Our experts unveil the humble banana. For skin relief after a swim, mash a very ripe banana in a bowl and apply it  to your face and throat. Leave it on for five minutes for extra-dry skin. Rinse and pat dry. This natural hydrator also improves the natural elasticity of your hair, and it contains potassium to  strengthen it. Mash the fruit, leave it in your hair for 15 minutes   and wash away. 

PAPAYA

A Natural scrub for pigmentation issues. A cream that gently exfoliates the skin can be a real help. Try this pumpkin-and-papaya mixture that works like a scrub without being abrasive to your skin. Remember, the sun can aggravate skin discoloration, so be sure to apply facial sunblock every day, especially after using this cream.

1/2 fresh papaya; 1 egg white; 15 ounce can of pure pumpkin; 1 teaspoon honey.

Remove the seeds from the papaya, scoop out the fruit and mash  it in a bowl.

In another bowl, beat the egg white until frothy.

Mix the egg white and mashed papaya together, and add the pumpkin and the honey to this mixture.

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and apply to your face.

Leave on for 10 minutes, and then rinse off.

Apply sunblock before going outdoors.

The 8 Mistakes Most Insomniacs Make

As a result of “Learned Insomnia”, people usually try to recuperate by taking actions to work around their Insomnia. All these actions actually make Insomnia worse by drastically weakening the sleep system and perpetuating it instead of solving the problem; because they do not attack the ”cause” of Insomnia, only its symptoms.

Here are some of these actions, you'll probably notice what you're doing right now falls somewhere on to this list. Being aware of these actions and their effects will give you a better perspective on your Insomnia.

1. Taking Sleeping Pills?As you will soon see in the next section, this is the death rattle, which in most cases turns Insomnia into a life long condition. We'll explore all the effects of pills on Insomnia in the next section.

2. Going to bed early, and sleeping late on weekends to “Make up Sleep”? This makes Insomnia even more likely to happen as you are putting your body temperature levels out of wack. Creating the same effect that jet lag produces. This weakens your body's natural sleep system. You will also limit your exposure to sunlight, which plays a key role in your melatonin hormone levels.

3. Trying to “make up” sleep with long naps during the day. This also weakens your body's natural sleep response, as you will be less likely to fall asleep later. Naps are Okay, and actually part of away to cure Insomnia, only if you take them properly, as I'll show you later on.

4. Eating large amounts of food, sugar, or candy before going to sleep to try to make yourself sleepy or tired.? Doing this does not solve the “cause” of insomnia, which is a weakened sleep system and a non-responsive “natural sleep response”. You may feel sleepy, but you will still wake up Un-rested. Nearly all the sugar you eat is turned into fat by your body, will in turn can create risk of Sleep Apnea.

5. Drinking alcohol before going to bed to induce sleep.? Many people think that drinking a glass of wine before bed is a good idea. It might make you feel sleepy but the disadvantages are many. Alcohol dehydrates your body, making it more likely you will wake up during the night thirsty for water. You will also most likely feel Un-rested, drowsy, and dis-oriented the next day(hang-over). Drinking Alcohol before bed will also increase fat gain drastically. [CAUTION: Alcohol should NEVER be combined with sleeping pills, it is extremely dangerous, and it has and can cause death.]

6. Not exercising, and using your “lack of sleep” as an excuse not to exercise. ? Lack of exercise plays a key-role in chronic Insomnia. Not exercising due to Insomnia only makes the Insomnia Cycle stronger; not exercising weakens the natural sleep response, as well as the sleep system. Not exercising weakens your metabolism, weakening your heart,creating respiratory problems, making you more likely to wake up during the night, or suffer from sleep apnea.

7. Trying to force sleep? This will only increase your anxiety and frustration, weakening the “natural sleep response”, and making the “SLEEP = PAIN” anchor stronger and more apparent for your mind.

8. Reading a Book or Watching TV in Bed to Induce Sleepiness? Not only does watching TV or reading keep your “conscious” racing mind active, it also diminishes the “natural sleep response.” As this supports the negative anchor in your mind that the process of falling asleep is something you have to AVOID.

The more awake time you spend in your bed, the more your mind associates that the BED = AWAKE.  SLEEP = PAIN.

Kacper Postawski is an innovative sleeps science researcher and the creator of the 'SleepWiz - Surefire Natural Remedy to End Insomnia Forever And Enjoy Energising Sleep In As Little As 3 Days' system. He can show you how to fall asleep effortlessly, create more time, and an abundance of energy in your body by Optimizing your sleep system!

THYME

Though better known in modern times as a culinary herb, the ancients recognized it for its medicinal powers. According to Culpeper, thyme is, “a noble strengthener of the lungs, as notable a one as grows, nor is there a better remedy growing for whooping cough. It purgeth the body of phlegm and is an excellent remedy for shortness of breath. It is so harmless you need not fear the use of it. An ointment made of it takes away hot swellings and warts, helps the sciatica and dullness of sight, and takes away any pains and hardness of the spleen. It is excellent for those that are troubled with the gout, and the herb taken anyway inwardly is of great comfort to the stomach.”

The Ecletics were more specific. King’s American Dispensatory describe sthyme as, “tonic, carminative, emmenagogue, and anti-spasmodic. The cold infusion is useful in dyspepsia, with weak and irritable stomach, and as a stimulating tonic in convalescence from exhausting diseases. The warm infusion is beneficial in hysteria, dysmenorrhea, flatulence, colic, headache, and to promote perspiration. Occasionally the leaves have been used externally, infomentation. The oil is valuable as a local application to neuralgic and rheumatic pains; and, internally, to fulfill any of the indications for which the plant is used.”

Modern herbalists value thyme for its expectorant and antibacterial properties, and it is frequently used in preparations to support and protect the respiratory system. The essential oil is an effective disinfectant and natural preservative that is used in many skin preparations, not only for its therapeutic effect, but to protect the product itself from microbial contamination and spoilage. Recent studies have validated many of thyme’s broad range of actions, and have even recognized potent antioxidant properties that have anti-aging implications.

0.      Removes mucus from head, lungs, and respiratory passages.

0.      Has a soothing, sedative action on nerves.

0.      Fights infection and is anti-fungal.

0.      Expels worms.

0.      Used in breaking alcoholic habit.

0.      Tonic for stomach.

0.      Pain-reliever for migraine headaches when combined with Fenugreek.

3 Ways to Improve Mental Clarity

Have you ever wandered into a room in the house with a purpose only to wonder what you were going in there for once you get there? Most of us have these kind of “duh” moments. Although these moments of forgetfulness can be common when you are tired or have had a very busy day, it is really not healthy to have them all the time. Short term memory loss and mental grogginess should really be things that only come upon you once in a while. Here are three easy ways to improve mental clarity.

1. Get to bed early. Going to sleep early and waking up early is healthy. Mental alertness begins with a good quality and quantity    of sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7 to 9 hours  of sleep a each night.  Sleep is very important for your brain  because this is the time when memories and information are processed and organised in your brain.

2. Maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Blood sugar fuels your brain and healthy levels are important for its proper function. The human body can actually regulate blood sugar, but only if you eat right and on time. You can help your body maintain healthy blood glucose levels by consuming well-balanced, low-sugar, and portion-controlled meals throughout the day. You should try to snack at   least every 3-4 hours.

3. Exercise. Exercise for both your body and brain is very  important. Physical exercise clears the mind and releases feel     good endorphines while also eliminating stress. Stress has been linked to forgetfulness so clearing your brain will improve mental focus while improving your body. Exercise for the brain is just as important. Puzzles, painting, drawing, and writing are all great   brain strengthening exercises.

Contrary to popular belief, loss of memory and mental alertness  does not have to go hand in hand with age. It is important to take  the right steps while you are young to keep your brain working       as it should.

In regards to alternative medicine, the Reishi mushroom is something to behold. Once used only by an elite few in Japan,    these mushrooms are now starting to be recognized worldwide for their many amazing healing abilities. This mushroom is sometimes called the “mushroom of immortality” as well as the “medicine of kings”. The Reishi mushroom may help you boost your immune system, detoxify the body, fight cancer, prevent heart disease,   relieve allergies and inflammation, help you sleep, and even make you more relaxed.

Sound too good to be true? Eastern medical science states that the body needs to defend itself against threats to its equilibrium,or balance. The threats can range from colds or bacteria to infection    of the organs and toxins inside the body. These threats may even manifest themselves in emotional ways such as stress or mood disorders. Reishi mushrooms help the body maintain its defense against these threats which helps the body maintain balance. As balance in the body equals balance in the mind, this powerful mushroom does it all. Reishi has recently been given to AIDS patients and science has proven that it does boost the immune system and offset the progression of this disease. Furthermore, Reishi helps the body fight cancer in four ways. This mushrooms boosts the immune system, slows the growth of tumors, reduces the number of cancerous cells, and helps immune cells bind to cancerous cells. Japanese medicine regards the Reishi so highly that it is actually recognized as a cancer treatment.

Each person who begins to take Reishi on a regular basis has a different reaction for the first few days. Some people experience aching in their body and bones which is nothing to be alarmed of, it is only asign that your body is detoxifying. Others develop dizziness or skin problems such as a rash which will go away in a few days once the body has adjusted. It is always a good idea to start off taking Reishi mushrooms on days that you do not have work or anything else to do so that you can see how you will react. It is also recommended to consume lots of water when taking Reishi so that the body can detoxify properly.

Hyssop is a name of Greek origin. The Hyssopos of Dioscorides was named from azob (a holy herb), because it was used for cleaning sacred places. It is alluded to in the Scriptures: 'Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean.'

Extend the life of your mascara

When your mascara is running out, add a few drops of F.L.P. Alpha-E Factor (available from GeeZone) into it and hey presto it is fine again. Not only that but you will condition your lashed at the same time!